Television has always been a thing of fascination for many people. With the passage of time, things have become even attractive as there are so many channels that can be watched by people. With the introduction of cable TV and other DTH services, it has really become amazing to watch TV. However, when you go for different DTH services, you get a complete package of channels which means that you will have to pay according to the package and not according to the channels that you watch. That’s exactly the thought behind the introduction of CAS. CAS refers to Conditional Access System where you will be able to pay only for those channels that you watch.
In India, this concept is really becoming more and more popular as it gives a freedom of choice. The process works in the same way as the signals are digitalized through set-top box (STB). There are lots of benefits that Indian audience can acquire from CAS. One of the best has already been mentioned that implies that people will be able to pay for the channels that they watch. Apart from users, it is beneficial for broadcasters, cable operators and advertisers. All in all, it is one of the better things that are happening in India in terms of TV entertainment. However, there is only one concern and that is about the high price of STB. So, if there will be some reduction in prices pertaining to STB then you can say that CAS is a better option to go instead of DTH and other such like options.
Re your concern about cost of set top boxes,there is a TRAI regulation in place since August 2006 which mandates MSOs and cable operators to mandatorily offer STBs at between Rs 30 to Rs 45 a month with a small refundable deposit.Even otherwise outright sale cost is now as low as Rs. 500 with some MSOs.So cost is not a concern.Government needs to issue the balance area notification in Mumbai/Delhi and Kolkatta to let more customers get a wider choice.Further if Government notifies the 55 city digital rollout plan already forwarded by TRAI,there would be a great fillip to digital addressability.